It's amazing the amount of information that's available free to Las Cruces area residents if they will just show up!

Leeann DeMouche, Water Conservation coordinator for Las Cruces Utilities said, "This year utilities' Lush and Lean Program is bringing together the best of the best! We have information on climate, presented by the man who was voted "Funnest (sic)" presenter at last year's Water Festival. We have information on vegetable gardening, container gardening, landscape design, good and bad bugs, and xeriscape design, from folks who are live and in person and able to answer your specific questions!"

The end goal of all the workshops is to show you how to have a "Lush and Lean" yard or garden, and still be water-wise. By installing a "Lush and Lean" garden you are creating water-efficient landscapes by using plants that are appropriate to the natural environment. The term xeriscape is derived from the Greek word, xeros, which means dry. But don't be fooled by the definition; xeriscapes aren't dry nor dull. Xeriscaping is a landscape method that maximizes the conservation of water by using site appropriate plants and efficient water use techniques.

We are still using more water than plants actually need on outdoor landscaping. "Lush and Lean" is a way to figure out how to grow things, better in our desert Southwest.

All presentations are set for 6 p.m. on Thursday evenings, at the utilities building, 680 Motel Blvd., in Room 218. No reservations are required.

Advertisement

So here's the lineup:

Thursday, Feb. 21: Climate: What can we expect for 2013. Dr. Dave Dubois, state climatologist, NMSU - voted "FUNNEST (sic) PRESENTER" by third-graders at the 2012 Water Festival.